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Fort Lauderdale cruise terminal, officially named Port Everglades, is known as the gateway of international trade and cruises in southern Florida. Dredged out of Lake Mabel, a natural body of water that was part of the Florida East Coast Canal system, the terminal is a man-made port. Originally named Bay Mabel Harbor in 1928, the name of the seaport was changed via a naming contest to Port Everglades to better represent the region. Visitors can take day trips and cruises from the port, and should it be necessary to stay near the marina, there are a number of comfortable hotels that are situated quite close by, allowing vacationers to easily access to the port and experience the variety of local sightseeing and shopping areas.

Fort Lauderdale Hotels Near Cruise Port

Various hotels are available near the Fort Lauderdale cruise terminal, including Hilton Garden Inn, just south of the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood nternational Airport, and Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six, a luxury resort with fabulous views of the water amidst tropical landscapes. Best Western Oceanside Inn is another popular accommodation, set in the center of the activity of Fort Lauderdale where guests can venture out and visit a variety of shops and cafes on a sunny afternoon, and enjoy the atmosphere of a small hotel with the amenities of a large resort. Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale offers close proximity to the sandy beach as well as the shops and restaurants of Las Olas Boulevard. Comfort Inn and Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port Hotel and Marina are a couple of other accommodations that offer elegant rooms near the Everglades seaport.

Cruise Parking

Cruise Parking

Parking is available near the Fort Lauderdale cruise terminal at varying prices, from $3 for an hour to $15/$19 a day, depending on vehicle size. Travelers who park their vehicle at the port can rely on well-lit lots, security patrol, and disabled parking. Nearby, other parking is also available at a variety of rates. Oftentimes, patrons are offered discounts for loyalty or long-term parking. Before making a final decision, it is best to research the current rates and confirm choices for all accommodations.

Fort Lauderdale Cruise Deals

Port Everglades services a great deal of ships and passenger carriers each day; here, visitors can book a day cruise in Fort Lauderdale. Several cruise ships, including Discovery Island, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival Cruises, leave port headed for the Bahamas or neighboring cities for a one-day cruise. Guests can book passage to Freeport Grand Bahama for a day or make reservations at one of the hotels in the Bahamas for a few days and return to the mainland on another day cruise in Fort Lauderdale.

Another renowned Fort Lauderdale sightseeing cruise is the Jungle Queen, which offers a couple of different options from a Fort Lauderdale dinner cruise with an entertaining variety show to a sightseeing cruise of Fort Lauderdale surrounding the New River up to the Jungle Queen Indian Village, featuring wild and exotic animals, extravagant private yachts, and beautiful historic homes and mansions. The Miami Bayside cruise is another popular attraction for guests of the Jungle Queen. Other popular local Fort Lauderdale sightseeing cruise ships include the Carrie B and the Spirit of Lauderdale.